Top Stories

News stories, radio and TV episodes that warrant one of six spots on our homepage. The homepage is in chronological order of publication date, so stories are moved off the homepage as more are categorized “top stories.”

A path leads through a dense forest.

Just Answers: Where Alaska US House candidates stand on developing Alaska’s natural resources

Candidates answer four questions, including whether there should be oil development in ANWR and whether the Roadless Rule should apply to the Tongass National Forest.
A whjite man in a red shirt gestures on a podium with another white man in a white button up shirt sits behind him

Anchorage Assembly postpones vote on process for removing mayor

The vote followed nearly five hours of public testimony that was marked by frequent interruptions. Security removed two people for yelling.

Election filing deadline reveals crowded statewide races

Dozens of Alaskans are running for statewide office but most legislative races have fewer than five candidates
a person being hoisted through the air by a helicoper

National Guard rescues injured biker in Cooper Landing

The cyclist had crashed on a trail just off the southeast corner of Cooper Lake, on the Resurrection River trail.
two people help sort cans of food in a big room

Food aid groups in Alaska say need is approaching early pandemic levels as relief money ends and prices rise

The Food Bank of Alaska reported that households served at its mobile food pantries went from about 1,900 in February to more than 3,700 in April.
an older woman stands in front of her house with her hands at her waist and looks downward with a smile

For 13 years she’s cared for her husband who has memory loss. Now she’s looking for help.

The number of Alaskans with memory loss is set to nearly double by 2030. Resources to help are limited, but navigators help caregivers find them.
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DOJ asks federal appeals court to reverse order lifting travel mask mandate

The Justice Department argues that the order issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in early 2021 "falls easily within the CDC's statutory authority."
two people look out on the water

Beluga whales swam up the Kuskokwim River to Bethel and scientists want samples of them

In an unusual event, a pair of beluga whales swam about 60 miles up the Kuskokwim River to Bethel. After word got out, boaters pursued the belugas and took at least one of them. Now, an official is working to collect samples of the animal to better understand where it came from.
A white woman in yellow sitting at a seat

Anchorage’s top library administrator was being investigated for workplace complaints. Bronson fired the investigator.

Heather MacAlpine started looking into what she called “disturbing” allegations about the work environment under Deputy Library Director Judy Eledge shortly before she was fired, emails and interviews show.
a woman in sunglasses

Palin leads the race for cash in Alaska US House election

Former Gov. Sarah Palin is ahead of the field in campaign fundraising. But a rival has surpassed her by tapping his personal wealth.
A man talks next to a flag.

Gov. Dunleavy’s office contracts ex-aide for ‘statehood defense’

The contract with Strategic Synergies LLC was signed in April and released by Dunleavy’s office last week
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Ahead of filing deadline, almost a third of the Alaska Legislature isn’t seeking reelection

Turnover could dampen momentum on a long-awaited fiscal plan, some lawmakers say.

As EPA moves to block Pebble mine, supporters and opponents look to details

The EPA said mining the Pebble deposit would result in unacceptable loss of salmon habitat, both at the site and further downstream.
a courthouse building

Special prosecutor charges former Alaska attorney general nominee with sexual abuse of a minor

Ed Sniffen has been charged with three counts of third-degree sexual abuse of a minor.
a person shows their ballot before placing it in a secure ballot drop box

In-person voting is underway in Alaska’s special primary election. Here’s what to know.

Ballots have been mailed out to registered voters, but if you’d rather vote in person, you can go to one of 170 voting sites.
A fox in grass

Bird flu detected in red fox and eagles found dead in Unalaska

Wildlife officials say the animals were most likely feeding on birds that had died from the H5N1 avian influenza.
A trail through mountains and trees and brush

Pair of hikers rescued from Resurrection Pass

The hikers called for help on their satellite phone saying they couldn't make it through snow and water in the pass.
An Alaska Airlines flight comes in for a landing at the Juneau International Airport.

Flying to the Lower 48 this summer? It’ll cost you. A lot.

A round trip ticket from Anchorage to Seattle in July will easily put you out $1,000.
Three people standing and kneeling around a pink ocean drone on a research vessel

An ocean first: Underwater drone tracks CO2 in Alaska gulf

The research could be a major step forward in ocean greenhouse gas monitoring.